Barcelona star Lionel Messi has admitted that it would be "terrible" if former team-mate Neymar were to join Real Madrid.

Neymar moved to Paris Saint-Germain last summer in a record-breaking €222 million (£195m/$263m) transfer, but rumours have swirled around his future all season.

The 26-year-old is reportedly unhappy in France and has been linked with Manchester United, as well as a shock move to Real Madrid.

Messi starred alongside Neymar for four trophy-laden seasons at Camp Nou, and confessed it would be difficult to see his friend join Barcelona's fierce rivals.

"It would be terrible because of everything that Ney means to Barcelona," Messi told TyC Sports.

"Although [Neymar's time in Barcelona] ended the way it did, he won important titles here, he won the Champions League, he won La Liga.

Messi starred alongside Neymar for four trophy-laden seasons at Camp Nou, and confessed it would be difficult to see his friend join Barcelona's fierce rivals.

"It would be terrible because of everything that Ney means to Barcelona," Messi told TyC Sports.

"Although [Neymar's time in Barcelona] ended the way it did, he won important titles here, he won the Champions League, he won La Liga.